St Arnaud (population ~ 3,000) lies on the main route between Ballarat and Mildura on the Sunraysia Highway. The town has many historic buildings worth a look, particularly the Historic Precinct on Napier Street. The area was originally inhabited by the Wungaragira Gundidj tribe. Nearby is the St Arnaud Range National Park and the Kooyoora State Park.

The St Arnaud Agricultural Show is held in October and the Festival of St Arnaud occurs in November. Markets are held on the second Sunday of the month in Market Square, behind the town hall.